Matching the stainless steel finish (door hole mirror delete covers)

[TickTock]

I think I finally figured out the recipe to create a matching finish for SS parts. In another thread, I shared a 3d model for mirror delete covers but struggled to get the 306 stainless steel to match the CT exterior. The trick was to first bring the surface almost to a mirror finish. Working my way up from 80 grit to 800 grit until it was a smooth, almost polished, surface. Then I hit it with Medium ScotchBrite followed by Very Fine ScotchBright pads.

Here is the sequence - I only show the 80 and 800 grit but I also used 180 and 320 before going to 800.

Here it is installed in the Tesla panel:

Side view with Iggy to show how the reflectivity also matches pretty well:

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[Cybergirl]

I think I finally figured out the recipe to create a matching finish for SS parts. In another thread, I shared a 3d model for mirror delete covers but struggled to get the 306 stainless steel to match the CT exterior. The trick was to first bring the surface almost to a mirror finish. Working my way up from 80 grit to 800 grit until it was a smooth, almost polished, surface. Then I hit it with Medium ScotchBrite followed by Very Fine ScotchBright pads.

Here is the sequence - I only show the 80 and 800 grit but I also used 180 and 320 before going to 800.

Here it is installed in the Tesla panel:

Side view with Iggy to show how the reflectivity also matches pretty well:

Nice work!

 

[Cybergirl]

I haven't yet received a quote from IN3DTEC for the covers and trim pieces. What should I expect to pay?

 

[lbelland]

Impressive. Are you selling them? If so how much?

 

[TickTock]

I haven't yet received a quote from IN3DTEC for the covers and trim pieces. What should I expect to pay?

I was charged $16 each +$25 for shipping.

 

[Cybergirl]

I was charged $16 each +$25 for shipping.

So a total of $89? 4 x $16 + $25

 

[brur]

I was charged $16 each +$25 for shipping.

I do love shipping inequality.

 

[Cerberus]

Looks awesome! Excellent work!

@TickTock if you ever consider selling these please let me know. Thanks

 

[TickTock]

So a total of $89? 4 x $16 + $25

Yup.

 

[mhaze]

I think I finally figured out the recipe to create a matching finish for SS parts. In another thread, I shared a 3d model for mirror delete covers but struggled to get the 306 stainless steel to match the CT exterior. The trick was to first bring the surface almost to a mirror finish. Working my way up from 80 grit to 800 grit until it was a smooth, almost polished, surface. Then I hit it with Medium ScotchBrite followed by Very Fine ScotchBright pads.

did you use oil with the abrasive pads?

 

[jimnycricket65]

I think I finally figured out the recipe to create a matching finish for SS parts. In another thread, I shared a 3d model for mirror delete covers but struggled to get the 306 stainless steel to match the CT exterior. The trick was to first bring the surface almost to a mirror finish. Working my way up from 80 grit to 800 grit until it was a smooth, almost polished, surface. Then I hit it with Medium ScotchBrite followed by Very Fine ScotchBright pads.

Here is the sequence - I only show the 80 and 800 grit but I also used 180 and 320 before going to 800.

Here it is installed in the Tesla panel:

Side view with Iggy to show how the reflectivity also matches pretty well:

I think I have that workbench, lol.
Can you share the link where you ordered this?
Can you upload a few photos without the sideview mirror?

 

[TickTock]

I really don't want to start selling these. Would have to charge more than anyone would be willing to pay and my customer service is terrible. :-}
However, the parts can be purchased reasonably cheaply from a 3d printing house. Less than $100 for everything plus a couple spares but you would have to do the final polishing if you want it to match. TBH, they really don't look too bad with the glass bead finish they come with (see image below).

I ordered them from in3dtec (https://www.in3dtec.com). I have attached the two files needed for printing the covers in 306 stainless. The black trim pieces can be printed in PETG or TPU on any consumer FDM 3D printer. Those models that can be found here. In3dtec can also print those for you in PETG if you don't know anyone with a 3d printer. I would also be willing to send a set of the plastic trim pieces if you PM me your address and proof of an order for the SS cover pieces.

Hard to tell below, this is the only photo I took of the raw plates as received but it is more of a matte finish with some irregularities on the surface (deep horizontal scratches). You can also see that it is thicker than my finished plate. I had to remove a fair amount of material to get to a uniform surface.

 

[jimnycricket65]

I know you went outside to take a photo of your CT without the side mirrors, please.

 

[TickTock]

OK. I'll take some more photos.

This one is interesting. I never noticed before how the original finish looks more reflective the more oblique the angle. Like a Brewster angle:

Closer shot of the mirror insert. Looks more reflective at this angle...

 

[jimnycricket65]

Thank you. I LOVE it.
So, how do I order it to https://www.in3dtec.com
If I send the zip file you sent me, they now what to do?

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